John Ford was over a hundred films deep in a directing career that had begun in the silent era when he set out to create a “psychological epic.” The resulting film, “The Searchers,” was a Western set against the bloody conflict between the native Comanche and Texas settlers after the Civil War.
It showcased John Wayne, turning his archetypal strength and stoicism into viciousness as a returned soldier hell-bent on revenge against the Comanche who killed his family in a raid. The figure of an honorable man demented by violence and revenge took its place as a new type of American anti-hero.
This latest installment of our American Icons series looks at “The Searchers” and its complicated legacy.
American Icons is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Our coverage reaches millions each week, but only a small fraction of listeners contribute to sustain our program. We still need 224 more people to donate $100 or $10/monthly to unlock our $67,000 match. Will you help us get there today?